Additional Game Day rules announced

September 19, 2008

Dear Bulldog Fans:

We're well into our 2008-09 football season, and we've seen more enthusiasm and greater attendance than in recent history. It's a great time to enjoy the game day experience and to picnic and tailgate with friends, as well as cheer the Bulldogs on in Davis Wade Stadium.

Because of increased crowds in all of our public areas, we seek your cooperation in complying with university policies and procedures designed to ensure a comfortable, safe and exciting game day. Record crowds in our tailgating areas have created a heightened awareness of the need for responsible, considerate behavior from all fans.

Beginning with our Oct. 11 game against Vanderbilt, Mississippi State will prohibit all pets on campus during game day activities. Pets that do well in their own home environment often react unexpectedly among thousands of fans and can pose safety problems both for other animals and for humans. To address issues that already have arisen this season, the university will not allow pets on campus on game day. Service animals, as defined by state law, will, of course, be welcome.

Also beginning with the Oct. 11 game, all picnic and tailgating areas will be closed to all activity at midnight. Tailgating spaces should be vacated and all tents and personal items removed to ensure the safety of personal property. Items left behind are removed during cleanup the following day, and the university cannot guarantee the return of items that are not claimed by then.

We also ask that you help us keep your university as clean as possible by properly disposing of trash and cleaning up after you finish tailgating. Trash bags are conveniently placed around public areas, and for our next home game we will add six large waste management containers to facilitate cleanup.

We want you to enjoy everything each game day offers, and we want Mississippi State to be a welcoming atmosphere for you, your friends and family. Thank you for helping us take steps to ensure that we continue to have one of the best game day atmospheres in the conference.